Paine to replace Haddin for Champions Trophy

Tim Paine, the Tasmania wicketkeeper, will replace Brad Haddin in Australia's Champions Trophy squad after Cricket Australia confirmed Haddin's recovery from finger surgery will rule him out until at least October. Haddin told Cricinfo on Wednesday of the extended recovery time, which will allow Paine to take step up in the eight-team tournament.

The ICC's technical committee approved the inclusion of Paine, who was named in the 30-man preliminary squad and has already replaced Haddin for the limited-overs series in England.

Trefor James, the Cricket Australia doctor, said Haddin's surgery was successful despite his unavailability for the Champions Trophy. "After discussion with Brad's surgeon and the Cricket Australia medical staff, it is clear Brad will not have recovered sufficiently for him to be considered for any part of the ICC Champions Trophy in South Africa," James said. "While the surgery was a success and there have been no complications, the timeframe for recovery is not sufficient and therefore he can not be considered for selection."

The operation on the ring finger of Haddin's left hand, which he broke shortly after the toss at the Edgbaston Test, could yet rule Haddin out of the one-day series in India starting in late October. While Haddin is aiming to return for that tour, Australia will not risk him if there is any doubt over his fitness with a six-Test home summer approaching.

"I am aiming to be available for selection for the one-day series in India however this is a decision that will be made in consultation with the Cricket Australia medical staff when the time arises," Haddin said. "In the past I have been able to recover from finger injuries and surgery very quickly and I am hopeful this will again be the case."